Customer Reviews

American Apathy (Bonus CD) (Spec)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It would have been very easy to trash this to album, to completely rip it apart. Afterall, Dope have always been somewhat of a secondary act in the nu-metal genre, and the fact that the genre is struggling to keep alive makes it all the easier to criticize a band like Dope who stubborningly stick to their guns. But this is actually a good album. "American Apathy" is quite possibly the definitive Dope album, combining elements from all three or their previous releases into one pleasing album.

Like all of Dope's releases, there is a definitive cheese-factor here. The overuse of the "F" word is just one prime example. But, once you can get past that, there is an album here that is instantly enjoyable. A bit brainless, yes, but it works. Opening with a passage from the bible of Dubya, "I'm Back" aims to prove that Dope are far from dead. Following it up, better songs such as "No Way Out" "Survive" and "Always" have the band stretching out a bit from the norm. Instead of sounding like a low-grade version of their contemporaries in Powerman 5000 and Static-X, Dope manage to find a groove, and fall somewhere in between Fear Factory and Disturbed. The album is drenched in political lyrics and anti-Bush sentiments, so songs such as "I Wish I Were President" and "Revolution" speak for themselves. As strong as the first half of the album is, though, it tends to come undone with songs like "Let's F---" and "F--- The World." A cover of Depeche Mode's "People Are People" sounds a bit weird and out of place here, but does a lot to show that Dope aren't just a one-trick pony.

If the album itself isn't enough, plenty of bonus material -- which dwells heavily on old material -- is included to equal more bang for your buck. "F--- The Police 2005" is a bit pointless, as Dope's original cover did nothing -- but others like "Spin Me Round" (from the "American Psycho" soundtrack) and "Bring It On (F--- Tomorrow Mix)" more than make up for it. Overall. Dope's fourth is their finest. Sure, it has moments where it sags and the aformentioned cheese-factor does drag it down a bit, but as for simple, satisfying nu-metal, "American Apathy" delivers the goods.

I bought this cd mainly because i heard dope was great from a friend, and for the most part i agree with him on that. The only downside is this was supposed to be a metal album, yet a few songs sound kind of whiny/punk to me, like Dream. Overall though the album was great, and if you got the bonus edition with the extra trakcs, the remixes are just as good.

"I'm Back" will most likely be Dope's anthem for their current tour, although they never stop touring. It's loaded with in-your-face drums and piercing licks. "Survive" sticks with the anthem feel, but this time it's more personal as Edsel speaks his mind about those that have tried to hold him back. On "Always, Edsel takes a more melodic approach to his vocal delivery...and it works. The chorus comes off as memorable as any rock radio track. The riff is simple, but still effective enough to stick in your head. Nothing goes hand and hand with hard rock than sex. So it only makes sense that Dope included the blood pumping song "Sex Machine".

If that isn't enough sexual energy for you, then "Let's F***" will surly get your juices flowing. Edsel doesn't mince words here. He gets straight to the point. Virus' chunky riffs go head-to-head with Edsel's melodic vocals on "Dream", as Edsel shows that there is more to him than his on stage persona. Dope injects a lot more muscle into the Depeche Mode classic "People Are People". The gang keeps things melodic so you don't miss the importance of the songs lyrics. Always the fan friendly artist, Dope includes three bonus tracks; "Bitch (alternate version)", "F*** tha Police 2005", and "Burn". There are other versions of this release that include a bonus disc of six more songs and a DVD.

The Bad
This may be Dope's best outing yet, but unfortunately the genre is hanging onto a thread. A couple of the tracks seem a bit amateurish for a band that's been around for a while ("F*** the World" & "I Wish I Was President").

The Verdict
I bought the first Dope album after catching them at a live show back in 1999. I was highly disappointed. Dope has certainly improved in sound quality and song construction. Like I said earlier, American Apathy is Dope's best album to date. It's full of intense industrial metal with a nice splash of melodic mayhem. The album is a true testament to what Dope sounds like live.

This version is basically the bestbuy version, but on 2 discs instead of one, and no DVD. At Best Buy it's cheaper and comes with a DVD.

Not the most original band out there but they have a sound and keep working at it to improve on it. There is only 2 songs that could be considered melodic and/or ballad like on the the cd. There are 3 cover songs, 2 remakes off their first cd and 5 remakes off of their last cd. For a total of 23 tracks....wow.
I don't know why they did it like that but it is cool with me. As for the dvd...there are videos and clips of them playing in Japan. The production is fair and the videos are sometimes funny.
Overall this album is on the heavy uncensored side....far more than anything they have produced before....closer to 'Felons' but heavier...........and I got all of this for $9.99 at B.B.
What a bargin!

American Apathy is hands down the best Dope CD. It's a combination of "Felons & Revolutionaries", and "Group Therapy", but also adding some riff patterns, and EQ's never heard from them before. This album is definately heavy, and 23+DVD for 12 bucks...couldn't have asked for a better deal. Awesome.

Dope again, has talents only few metal bands possess. Continuous rhythm, and harmonic sound.

This CD is awesome, the whole cut is pretty good. If your a Dope fan pick it up its worth it. The People are People remake is decent, the originals are great. The new cuts of older Dope tracks are a great addition to an already great album.

I was a little sceptical about the new album because of the long delay and the whole mystery about which lable it was going to be on, but it was worth all the wait.
Edsel is still the amazing mastermind behind this band and still delivers with his aggressive vocals. This Cd seems to be more directed at Bush and of recent events surrounding the country (hence the name). Edsel never hesitates to speak his mind. I have no complaints or regretes with buying this CD. If you liked Life and Group Theropy you'll love this!

Truth be told, I was waiting for this CD. And I wouldn't have even found out about it if it hadn't been for AMG. But I'm glad I was looking and found out about it. I jammed down to Best Buy and picked it up and I can honestly say this is the best Dope to date. Sure, the subject matter on this CD isn't for younger people and sure they might not have really matured in that sense. But the music is as hard as it's been and it actually sounds like MUSIC instead of the industrail take down on "Felons and Revolutionaries" and is harder then anything on "Life" or "Group Therepy."

Songs like "I'm Back," "I Wish I was President" and "Revolution" are powerful yet come across with a good message. "Always" and "People Are People" remain hard songs, but are the least vulgar on the song list. "Four More Years" is a 17 second sample which perhaps shares the feelings of many American people, while "Survive," and "No Way Out" strike with vicious rhythms and powerful Edsel Dope lyrics and his voice!

Of course, it wouldn't be Dope if songs like "Bastard" and "Sex Machine" didn't litter the CD. I'm not saying they're bad but they're not there strongest efforts. I do, however, find the remix versions of "F*ck tha Police," "Burn," and "Debonair" to be as good as the originals with a fresh sampling spin. Plus, the alternate version of "B*tch" is pretty good too.

In conclusion, whether you are a Dope fan or a fan of good music, I would recommend this CD to you. Listen and I think you'll be amazed at the progress this band has made on it's 4th major label album.

And to clear up an issue...THIS ISN'T LIKE HED (PE) AND ONLY IN AMERIKA...THIS IS MUCH BETTER!!! Thank you!